Stephanie Schlea
Stephanie leads the association’s EHS&S policy agenda, including strategy development and research. She develops policy positions and strategic solutions on emerging and existing federal, state, and international policies and initiatives including microplastics, emissions, product stewardship, and sustainability. Stephanie has more than nine years of experience in policy and regulation, with a focus on water quality.
Prior to coming to USTMA, Stephanie worked for the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), where she led the association’s work on PFAS, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), infrastructure, and environmental justice. At ASDWA, Stephanie led the association’s congressional advocacy and strategy, led multiple nationwide workgroups of state staff experts, and brought together industry, environmental and non-governmental organizations to find common ground on key issues. Before ASDWA, Stephanie worked for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, which represents large public drinking water systems, as the Director of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs, overseeing the association’s entire regulatory portfolio. Prior to moving to D.C., Stephanie served as a state regulator, leading the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s 401 Water Quality Certification program and the state’s wetlands program. Stephanie is an ecologist by training, obtaining a B.S. in biology from Northern Kentucky University and an M.Sc. in forestry from Southern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing a DrPH with a focus on Health Policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Wednesday December 10
Joint Government Relations Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council Special Session
Microplastics: Emerging Risks and Strategies for Household Products
Microplastics are rapidly emerging as a critical environmental and human health concern, creating regulatory and reputational challenges for the consumer products industry. As companies pursue circular economy initiatives and sustainable packaging goals, the use and generation of microplastics – intentional or not – is increasingly in the spotlight. Public awareness, media coverage, and scientific research on microplastics are growing, suggesting that this issue may follow the trajectory of prior high-profile product safety concerns, such as BPA and PFAS.
This session will provide a comprehensive, multi-perspective view of microplastics risks and strategies for addressing them. Panelists will discuss:
- The current state of science regarding the sources, fate, and potential human health and environmental impacts of microplastics
- Legal and regulatory developments, including emerging restrictions, past and anticipated legislation, litigation trends, and risk management across products, packaging, and supply chains
- Insights on policy implications and stakeholder expectations
- Technical challenges of testing and measuring microplastics, including lessons learned from developing protocols and emerging best practices
This session is designed for professionals seeking a holistic view of microplastics, combining scientific, legal, policy, and technical perspectives to inform risk management and proactive sustainability strategies.
Speakers:
Lori Leskin, Partner, Arnold&Porter
Stephanie Schlea, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
Sean Sheppard, CEO at Radical Catalyst
Imari Walker-Franklin, Research Chemist, RTI International